A STRETCH of new transport infrastructure works with new walking and cycle paths have been completed.

Work between Wimborne Road West and Leigh Road is complete and the 2.3km stretch of new walking and cycle paths and crossings are open and ready for use.

It is the first project to be completed as part of Dorset and BCP Councils’ Transforming Cities Fund programme, which includes a 78km network of new walking, cycling routes and bus improvements being rolled out across south east Dorset.

The final stretch of the improvements between Lonsdale Road/Quarter Jack Park and Brook Road was recently completed with the re-surfacing of the whole road and new lines being painted.

However, more road works further along the route are still ongoing.

Councillor Ray Bryan, portfolio holder for highways, travel and environment at Dorset Council said: “We have one of the most congested regions in the country and we need to find ways to reduce that congestion. Building more roads isn’t a viable solution, there’s isn’t the space.

“We’re leading the way with these new cycle and walking paths, future proofing travel now and for generations to come. It takes time to adjust to change but we hope people will enjoy using these new walking, cycling and bus facilities on their journeys to work, school or leisure.

“Cars can still use the road as they always have done, the big change is the space we’ve created to make it safe and easy for people to walk and cycle along this route too.”

Resident Mike Carhart-Harris said: “The walking and cycle paths are a big improvement. It’s great that we’ve got this new infrastructure in place so that hopefully over time we can change our travel behaviours and habits and maybe leave the car at home for those shorter journeys. That’s something I’m trying to do myself.”

All traffic management has been removed and the construction work along Leigh Road and Wimborne Road West has completed. A short section of the walking and cycle paths on both sides of Leigh Road at the junction with Lonsdale Road will be completed later this year.

Works in Wimborne Road between Canford Bottom and Trickett’s Cross roundabouts commenced on March 7 and are expected to last until autumn.